Carboni: “I feel proud to have played for this club"

Amedeo Carboni spent nine successful seasons at Valencia CF, and remains one of the most beloved and admired players amongst the fans. The Italian, from Arezzo, was already 32 years old when he arrived at Mestalla, but would play until the age of 41.

As part of the Centenary Legends series, Carboni talks to VCF Media.

Signing for Valencia CF

I joined the club in August of 1997, on the penultimate day of the transfer market. I signed a two year contract. I wasn't completely convinced, to be honest, because I'd never thought about leaving Italy. I was already 32 and I hadn't thought that I would play on for as long as I did. My idea was to play as well as possible.

A tough start

It wasn't easy for me to start with. I was sent off twice in five games and it was a time in which the team needed to settle. They had sacked Jorge Valdano and on matchdays we had Romario, Ortega, Marcelino Carioca, Moussa Saib… all of whom wanted the ball. It was with the arrival of Claudio Ranieri that the group began to come together. Afterwards, after getting into the Champions League and having won the Copa del Rey, every year the most valuable players were sold, such as Mendieta, Farinós and Gerard, but the team continued up at the top. That was when I realised that with two or three good quality players, we could perform at the same level and win something.

The captaincy

When Héctor Cúper came in, I was chosen as captain. After preseason I told him: "Look, boss, I don't think that a foreign player can be captain, because they can never feel the same as a Spanish player -and especially a Valencian player." Later I realised what a responsibility it was to represent the club. I'm Italian , but I think that I've felt more Valencian than many people who are from here, because of the responsibility of wearing a shirt that belongs to everyone. My number was 15, but it wasn't mine -it belonged to every Valencian. That was a wonderful feeling.

Games against Arsenal

The games that I remember the most are the ties we had against Arsenal, because for me they were a huge team. Those games were more than hard fought. They were always on the limit. Bergkamp, Henry, Vieira, Ashley Cole and Campbell were amazing players, and also very tall. I had to mark Henry on every corner, and he was half a metre taller than me. They were all tall, and we only had Pellegrino and Carew.

The UEFA Cup

What made me happy was the day after winning trophies. The joy from the fans was wonderful, but I recognise that the UEFA Cup, after losing two Champions League finals, was what gave me the most satisfaction.

Mestalla

For me, Mestalla is the best there is. Maybe its because I was here for so many years and was lucky enough to win trophies, and that's why you remember it more fondly. But whenever you enter the field of play, we all have the same satisfaction, pride and responsibility. I feel proud to have worn this shirt and to have played for this club. The fans have seen who Amedeo Carboni is: Both his defects and his virtues.

Don't miss the full interview with one of Valencia CF's most charismatic players of all time.